Upgrading to a bigger tank

[mjrwingnut]

Hey guys, I could use some advice.

I currently have a jbj 24gal nano cube reef setup. I just bought a used 80 gal tank with stand and canopy with some extra gear but looks like lots of it needs to be replaced.

I have 4 questions:

1. How much sand do I need to buy to do a reef setup?

2. How much live rock do I need?

3. I need a new pump for the sump what is a good brand adn what size do you recommend?

4. How do I setup refugium(s/p??)??

Thanks for all your help.

-MjrWingnut

 

[kevin95695]

1. Varies. Some go bare bottom, some go deep sand bed. I like about 1-2" so about 20-40lb.

2. 1-2lb rock per gallon.

3. Varies. 2-10 times full system turnover per hour. Look for low watts with high output. I like oceanrunners from aqua-medic for the price.

4. Refugium: Root word: Refuge. It is simply a place where copepods (beneficial jumpy bugs) can be safe. No fish, no massive currents. Typically people nowadays throw in a clump of chaetomorpha algae to give the bugs a place to hide. Chaeto also soaks up nitrates, which is good. So a light, safe from fish, and moderate current is what makes a 'fuge'.

Opinions are wide and varied.

 

[dots]

Before you jump in head first....now that you have some experience with the 24g........tell us what kind of tank you want to end up with. Pictures and examples go a long way, that way you get off on the right foot.

First things first:
Do you have enough room for a Sunken Pirate ship and a Bubble treasure chest?

BTW, it says your a CAD drafter. What are you a drafter of?

 

[casalt]

You came to the right place , the people here have helped with every step I've taken with my tank. One thing that helped alot was pics of everyone's setups. Click on their "www" link and their gallery link. I second the sunken pirate chest it's way cool and best of all I found one on sale

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...llpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=sunken ship&Np=1

 

[kdblove_99]

Welcome To RC and MARS, You are in my neck of the woods I'm in Loomis.

Sand: like stated you can go DSB, SSB,BB. I think the SSB looks the best i do not like the looks of DSB at all.

I would at least do 1lb LR per Gallon

Pumps. I really like the Oceanrunners they are super quiet, Reliable and very cost effective and are energy effiecient.
Eheims are the same as above but double the cost and not as effiecient. an Oceanrunner 2500 would be good for your 80

Refugium_ you will need to put baffles in your sump very easilly done just get the right silicone without mold inhibitors. what size is your sump?
Some put live sand, live rock, cheato in there fuge. I do but you mainly need Cheato in my opinion and a light over it for good growth.

 

[kdblove_99]

Forgot to ask. What are your plans for a skimmer?

 

[kevin95695]

Oh yeah, forgot: Welcome to the freakshow!

 

[mjrwingnut]

I basically want to do a reef setup, I like to do where I have the live rock slope down so I can have lots of room for corals.

Far as the sunken ship, can I have sponge bob as a pirate???

Oh the sump is a 15 gal I think.

I work for a civil enginnering firm that do water treatment plants

Thanks again for the help

-MjrWingnut

 

[bladeruner143]

Something you didn't mention that will be a HUGE part of a reef system is lighting. If you're going to the meeting tomorrow though, most if not all of your questions about that topic should be answered. Whatever you do, be sure to take advantage of the local resources. The people in the club are very very nice and are willing to help out us newbies, for the good of the club and reef keepers in general. Don't be afraid to ask any kind of question because thats the only way you'll learn! good luck on your endeavor and be sure to take some pics along the way to share with everyone!!!

 

[mjrwingnut]

Oh, the tank came with compact bulbs but I plan on upgrading to metal lights.

I'm going to take photo's as of each step I do so I can get feed back if I going the right way or not. I LEARNED THE HARD WAY wiht my nano by being in a hurry and now I plan to take my time and do more research

 

[mjrwingnut]

Today I just bought a new sump pump 950 gph.

 

[kdblove_99]

what brand?

I would also get a bigger sump at least 30 gallons 40 would be perfect if it fits under your stand

 

[mjrwingnut]

It's made by danner mfg and I guess the name brand is called supreme.

I do want to get a 30 gal sump since the one that came with the tank isn't correct for a reef setup. It's a 15 gal with bio balls and a spounge filter. I need one without the bioballs and the sock right?

The pump that it came with was a rio and it was under sized the tubing for the return is 1/2" not 3/4".

I need now to figure out how to connect the sump to the refugium. With my tax refund money I will get new lights 150 metal

 

[kdblove_99]

Pump is a Mag drive 9.5. You will not need a heater anymore those have them built in:lol:

 

[dots]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11846914#post11846914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mjrwingnut


I work for a civil enginnering firm that do water treatment plants

Small world, I am an Applications Engineer with ABS pumps.